NAEA Position Statement on Positive School Culture and Climate
[Adopted March 2016; Reviewed and Revised March 2019]
May 16, 2019
NAEA believes there is a symbiotic relationship between a supported high-quality visual arts education program and a positive school culture and climate. The fundamental context for a school-based visual arts education program requires effective educators who are certified/licensed in visual art and appropriate, equitable, program-specific resources including facilities, budgets, time, instructional materials, and online access. Honoring students’ scheduled access to visual arts instruction is essential to a dynamic learning culture and a positive school climate. Visual art educators play important leadership roles in building positive school culture and climate.
Visual arts education impacts school culture and climate by:
- increasing student attendance and student engagement
- promoting personal expression and social-emotional learning thereby enhancing an understanding of cultural diversity, and nurturing mutual respect
- promoting innovation, collaboration, and creative problem-solving skills applicable to life-long learning
- advocating for and supporting school and community relationships
- facilitating interdisciplinary learning through an inclusive, supportive environment where students develop abilities to problem solve, take risks, develop a personal creative voice, collaborate, and reflect
- building a sense of community within the school.
A positive school culture and climate supports visual arts education by:
- fostering a creative atmosphere within the school
- supporting creativity and innovation in teaching and learning
- showcasing student achievement in the visual arts
- encouraging diverse connections among people, subject areas, and ideas
- respecting visual art educators as both teachers and artists
- providing access to discipline-specific professional learning opportunities
- valuing visual art educators as leaders in their discipline, schools and communities
Resources:
NAEA Position Statements:
- 21st Century Skills and Visual Arts Education
- Certified/Licensed Visual Art Educators in Pre-K through 12 School Settings
- Professional Development
- Scheduling, Time, Funding and/or Resources for Visual Arts Education
- Visual Arts as a Core Academic Subject
NAEA Publication:
- Purposes, Principles and Standards for School Art Programs (2014)
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